The Pullman Messenger Magazine

Winter 2023

AMAZING APR PULLMAN PORTER

MUSEUM MURAL UNVEILED

PULLMAN PORTER MUSEUM CELEBRATES

28TH ANNIVERSARY.

CREATION OF RANDOLPH’S WAY, AMERICAS

1ST BLACK LABOR TOURISM DISTRICT

CREDITS

WELCOME

Welcome to the premier issue of The Pullman Messenger. We believe the Magazine will fill the information void around the Pullman National Monument with exciting, newsworthy content about the Monument and the surrounding Greater Roseland and Rosemoor communities.

In doing so, we hope to educate the public about all the great people, places and events that comprise Chicago's rapidly changing south lakefront region. In reportage and commentary, The Pullman Messenger's objective is not to replicate existing content, but rather to highlight all of the Pullman community's businesses, tourism sites, activities and wonderful dimensions. We will present the Pullman National Monument's complex andfascinating history, as well as that of thebroader south lakefront regions'news about the recent explosion of culturally based economic development.

For decades, countless accounts of Pullman history have been written but, almost without exception, through a singular lens. Articles seen through that lens seldom include accurate African American perspectives, nor many of the singularly significant contributions made by black Americans.

Through the Pullman Messenger, we intend to rectify that through this publication, which will enable us to raise what has been a muted voice.

As managing editor, frequently, I will contribute articles or commentary with a cultural economic development (CED), focus. I believe it is important because it is occurring in our community right now and no one else is writing about it.

According to one authoritative source, Arts Wisconsin, "there is no conventional, or standard, definition for cultural economic development, but, most often, it is considered to be economic development activity that emphasizes artistic and cultural partners participation in the planning and implementation of the effort." (n.d.). Delaney (2004) argues that the interface between a community's arts and cultural interests and its economic development interests are "particularly fertile ground for shaping a community's future because of the unique combination of complementary talents, strengths and assets that can be assembled" (p. 3) Once blighted ethnic and urban communities that are a part of the south lakefront region are rapidly emerging as culturally based CED meccas.

Two south lakefront region communities that were the focus of a major research study alsoreflectthistrend.Theywere Bronzevilleandthe Pullmancommunity, specificallythe northern end of the Pullman district, whose population is 93 percent African American.

In this and future issues, we will cover the significance of the National Park Service Designation, the Great Migration and National Park Service Centennials, development of new businesses, highlight existing businesses, and organizations birthdays, anniversaries and much, much, more. We will also feature articles by guest journalists on subjects of regional and national interest. Finally and equally important, The Pullman Messenger will focus on the undercovered, yet fascinating cultural and artistic energy in our communities.

NationalA. Philip RandolphPullmanPorter Museum PullmanNational Monument

There are a variety of organizations and sites within the Pullman National Historical Park that are dedicated to the preservation and understanding of this unique area. Please contact these partners for information on activities within the Pullman boundaries.

#1 National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum

10406 S. Maryland Ave. (104th Street between Corliss and Maryland) Admission: $5.00 Chicago, Illinois 60628 - 773-850-8580 www.pullmanportermuseum.com

Hours: Closed for Construction Expansion

#2 House of Chloe Food Pantry & Nutrition Center & Passion of Pullman Community Garden

#3 Pullman Firehouse

#4 National Park Service Pullman National Historical Park - Visitor Center

#5 The State Historic Site 11111 S. Forestville Avenue

The signature Clock Tower Administration Building and Assembly Shops and the grand Four story Hotel Florence give tangible evidence to the national and international influences of Pullman -- on transportation, industrial design, architecture, labor, urban and town planning, and landscape design.

#6 Historic Pullman Foundation

11141 S. Cottage Grove Ave. 773-785-8901 www.pullmanil.org/

Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; closed Mondays Admission: $5 adults; $4 students under 18; $4 seniors

#7 Greenstone Church

The History and Background of The Museum

e National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter (NAPRPP) Museum, founded in February of 1995 is the rst, and currently, the only museum in the country dedicated exclusively to African-American labor history, beginning with the African American Railroad workers, most notably Mr. Randolph and the Pullman Porters.

NAPRPP Museum is not operated nor is it funded by a government agency, but is, in fact, a twenty- veyear-old, Public, self-funded, independently operated, African-American labor history Museum. NAPRPP Museum’s sole purpose and mission are to collect, interpret, and present to the public the important contributions of African Americans to America’s

labor history through interpretive exhibitions, public programs, and continuing research. Exhibits showspeci c social events and depict important historical moments in an impressive history that includes A Philip Randolph and the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. eir legacy of organizing a union and being a catalyst for the Civil Rights movement is undeniable.

A Philip Randolph became a legend of the Civil Rights movement by threatening to march on Washington in 1941 to demand jobs for blacks, which applied to all branches of the Military and defense-related jobs. While currently, the Museum focus is primarily on the African-American railroad worker, we are in the planning stages of other trades.

By Lyn Hughes Ph.D and F. Finley McRae

A SALUTE TO R andolph Asa Philip

Dear Reader: April 15 was is important date, not just because it is tax day, I submit to you that the day is equally important for another reason. It is A. Philip Randolph’s birthday. One might ask, who is he? Or why should we care about him? The entire article will answer that question.

For us he has a particular significance because of his relationship to one of the sites located in the Pullman National Monument. The reason for that is virtually every story that was written before and since the designation about the monument, there a general reference to the term Black labor or revisionist history writers make a point of singling out the Pullman Porters, who without Randolph’s leadership would not even be a topic of conversation.

The National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum that has been telling the Black labor history exclusively, at the monument that honors Randolph, was almost never mentioned by name.

America’s political, economic and social landscape is dotted with trees bearing fruit from A. Philip Randolph’s vision; courage; genius; and pragmatic leadership. We decided to tell those who don’t know the name A. Philip Randolph, who he was and why he is important to you. On the national

stage, that leadership began with his defiant formation of the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP), --the first Black labor union chartered in America and the first to win a collective bargaining agreement with a major U.S. corporation, the powerful Pullman Company. The success of that effort was the first step on a journey filled with the genius of his strategic leadership, the impacts of which are felt in the Black community to this day. Yet many, unfortunately, do not know that they are the direct beneficiaries of his advocacy.

The founding of the BSCP was pivotal in helping Blacks to understand his philosophy:

That we must be masters of our own economic fate. From the 1940s until the late 1960s, Black railroad employees were the foundation of a gradually expanding Black middle class. Randolph’s footprints are still visible in his early support of Dr. Martin Luther King and the Montgomery

Bus Boycott, decisive actions which ultimately led to the 1963 March on Washington, although that is largely unknown or appreciated.

John Hope Franklin, a preeminent American historian, paid tribute to Randolph’s genius when he declared, “A. Philip Randolph “stands at the pinnacle of leadership, performing tasks that certainly no one, not even Martin Luther King, could do. (These were) tasks that involved putting coalitions together, challenging the government, making demands and standing firm until those demands were acceded to.”

Among the more exceptional were Randolph’s bold challenges thrown at three United States presidents-Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1941, Harry Truman in 1949 and John F. Kennedy, in 1963. The result of those challenges, delivered major Civil Rights legislation in employment; education; housing; and voting rights and continue to underscore his fascinating legacy.

Dr. King, in a 70th birthday Salute to Randolph at Carnegie Hall in New York City, called him ‘‘truly the Dean of Negro leaders and noted that he played a crucial role in gaining recognition of African Americans in labor organizations.” Randolph, King said at the 1959 tribute, “devoted his life to the achievement of both racial and economic equality,” King praised Randolph’s refusal ‘‘to sell his race for a mess of pottage” and credited him for “never being afraid to challenge unjust state power or speak out against the power structure.”

Randolph’s decision to send Bayard Rustin, his field marshal, to Montgomery to instruct Dr. King in direct, but non-violent social action, was directly responsible for the long, but successful, victory over the bus company and the city’s political and economic leadership.

In dispatching Rustin to shepherd young King, Randolph again displayed the discerning eyes that seldom failed to identify gifted, social justice agents. In doing so, Randolph also became the first nationally prominent civil rights leader or clergyman to invest funds and resources in the unknown minister, who had not yet earned a Ph. D or won a Nobel Peace Prize.

The breakthrough in Montgomery proved a harbinger of more major civil rights successes in the Deep South. It also set the stage for the 1963 March on Washington, on which Randolph had set his sights in early 1941. In that pivotal year, he audaciously challenged Roosevelt, who was extremely popular among African Americans. By threatening to lead “125,000 marching blacks” on the nation’s capital, which would have

As so appropriately expressed by Congressman John Lewis, if Randolph had been born in another period, maybe of another color, he probably would have been President....

Photo Courtesy of Library of Congress

thoroughly embarrassed Roosevelt, the wily Randolph cornered him into signing the first presidential executive order, 8802, to mandate government employment for African Americans in dire need of decent wages and benefits.

Roosevelt’s reluctant action forced producers of material for World War II to hire African Americans. The second executive order 8902, signed in 1948, by a politically besieged Truman with an urgent need for black voters, broke down the doors of the segregated military service and opened new pathways to upward mobility. Fifteen years later, an aging Randolph outfoxed the five other men who comprised the “Big Six” of African American leaders, none of whom believed that a march on Washington for jobs and justice was feasible or would be a success.

But Randolph, sensing that the moment to stage the largest civil rights march in American history had come, told Rustin to call Dr. King, who was then traveling in Africa. “Tell Martin that if he agrees to deliver the keynote speech at the march, the other leaders will agree to support it and we will be able to build it,” Randolph said. President John F.Kennedy, like the chief executives before him, Roosevelt and Truman, appealed to Randolph to cancel the march. This time, he would not. Dr. King consented to keynote the event, and, months later, electrified 250,000 marchers with his signature “I have a Dream” speech.

In the next year, President Lyndon Baines Johnson signed the landmark 1964 Civil Rights Act, which capped Randolph’s four decades of relentless leadership. As so appropriately expressed by Congressman John

Lewis, “If he (Randolph) had been born in another period, maybe of another color, he probably would have been President. In another land, he probably would have been, maybe, Prime Minister…But in a real sense, he was head of the building of a new nation, of a better America.”

But sadly, Randolph still lacks appropriate recognition. There is a bust of him in Union Station in Washington D.C., and the A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum, in Chicago, the nation’s only museum that bears his name, located in the National Parks Service, Pullman National Monument District but is not operated by the parks service. Therefore, essentially what that means is that the 21-year-old museum in Chicago is doing what it has been doing since its inception 21 years ago finding creative ways to secure the required resources to continue honoring and celebrating Black history under the umbrella of tourism. www. pullmanportermuseum.com

The hard hitting reality that Randolph’s name is unknown to the vast majority of Americans, including educated blacks, was recently driven home at the museum. A group of 50 bright and enthusiastic African American students from one of the nation’s leading universities became tearful when they were gently introduced to Randolph’s genius, struggle, sacrificed and strategic leadership. “We never knew about this history, we are just finding out about it on this visit.”

This article in article ran in newspapers around the country honoring Mr. Randolph’s birthday, including the Chicago Crusader. For that we are grateful. We thought it appropriate to include it in this inaugural issue of this publication.

Cultural Economic Development

Manifesto CED An Economic Engine To Save Urban

How cultural policy, at the local level, is applied, to cultural, economic development (CED) projects particularly those that emanate from urban communities as a discretionary practice of implementation has devastated communities.

Our proposed recommended solution is Cultural Economic Development, a reevaluation and the reinterpretation of cultural policy, and its urban communities in general and Black American communities in particular, the opportunity to reverse the impact that — traditional implementation of cultural policy, has had on communities.

It is our belief that a re-interpretation of cultural policy implementation statutes and programs, and will spark unprecedented investment while empowering urban communities across the nation.

With the refocusing of what has been the traditional top-down mindset of how cultural policy is currently implemented, moving to one, which enables the creation of public-private partnerships—Partnerships that foster creative investments with opportunities like those represented in the opportunity zones and micro market recovery zones.

from the entertainment community creating authentic philanthropic is a win-win for all, not just the backroom deals that tend to govern what happens to the community without community input or a “Community

With the adoption of the ideology of this manifesto, we would also like program, enabling organizations, to purchase HUD and abandoned can invest in their communities through property rehabilitation and resell helping to rebuild and stabilize, instead of witnessing displacement and

Introduction

The National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter museum’s existence was born out of a need to create a cultural focus for the African American population at Pullman, who felt they had no connection to the history of the community.

That all changed in 1994 when the founder excavated the historical connection between Black labor to Pullman. While African American did not reside in Pullman, they worked for the company and Pullman became their motivation to create the first Black Labor Union in America chartered under the American Federation of Labor.

For nearly three decades the museum has effectively interpreted this story. Through our authentic interpretative method, we have connected the people, and places, in the context of connecting the Black labor story to civil rights. At the NAPRPPM, we interpret, and follow the progression of Randolph and the Brotherhood of Porters, as they executed their quiet yet effective strategic framework that helped to shape the modern-day civil rights movement efforts that began in 1941.

Our audience has grown slowly but consistently, without foundation or government support. We believe that growth has occurred because our interpretive presentation is an integral part of place-based learning, and we do an excellent job with that. The story of these great men and what they stood for is often told within the context of organized labor, and American Railroad history, yet the real impact of their lives and mission far exceeds the railroad industry It is Workers Rights, Human Rights and Civil Rights. It is only fitting, and long overdue to honor them in the broader context, and in the well-deserved high-profile manner.

We have known for some time, ,that we needed to expand, however, until now we did not have the opportunity. The purpose of this expansion of the museum is to provide sorely needed additional space and produce an ambitious multimedia Civil Rights Wing. On what will become “RANDOLPH’S WAY.” The multi-phase development will be conducted under a bold, innovative Cultural Economic Development project. The tool itself is an even bolder approach, implementing a culturally based neighborhood stabilization plan, for census tract 5002, a low-income community, population 93% African America. The Community Economic Development Empowerment Project (CEDEP 2020) is that tool.

The NAPRPP museum a 27-year proof of concept experience, surrounded by blight has informed us, that unaddressed, not only will the area deteriorate as times passes, but the existing conditions surrounding the area will impact the future growth and development of the museum. We strongly feel that, by using a comprehensive approach there is much that can be done to change that. The vehicle to accomplish is the Social Enterprise partnership “CEDEP 2020.”

The project has a dual purpose. (1) First, in a public-private partnership with the Chicago Neighborhood Initiative, and Randolph Dream Community Development CDC, L3C, our co-development partners, to conduct the adaptive-reuse rehab expansion of two three story Pullman Row-Houses, 2000 SF each combining the two. One of which is the existing home of the Pullman Porter Museum, the adjacent blighted property, has been vacant for 15 years. The combined properties will provide space and enable us to create a multimedia Civil Rights Wing and (2) simultaneously launch The Community Economic Development Empowerment Project (CEDEP 2020).

In this neighborhood stabilization plan, residents will be trained, empowered, and employed, utilizing training, which will include wrap around services, through our collaborative partners that include: IBEW Local 134, Chicago Federation of Labor, Randolphs Dream CDC, LC3, and entities like HIRE 360 Chicago offering: Construction apprenticeships • Black Labor history contributions education • Preservation • and Hospitality Job Training. All to benefit and participate in the projected revenue derived from the anticipated 300,000 tourist coming into the community. Nowhere in the Nation is Culture being used in the manner.

A Philip Randolph’s Way The First Black Labor Tourism District In America

It is not often in one's career as a community builder that one is challenged to create a masterplan for a great community, great buildings, a great hero, and a great legacy in a great town. That is what we are doing here in Chicago for A. Philip Randolph and the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters. In some circles, this convergence of blood, sweat, and tears would be called a harmonic convergence. This masterplan represents exactly that. What follows is an extraordinary approach to master planning, cultural planning and institution building. A collaborative plan developed by Atlanta Architect Rene Rotan and Dr. Lyn Hughes.

A Cultural Economic Development concept that began in 1995 with founding of the National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum. After which, the unused concept was interrupted and lay dormant for ten years. In 2020. Building upon that foundation David A. Peterson Jr. conceived the Cultural economic empowerment project “CEDEP 2020”. Today that plan is ready for implemented by Randolphs Dream CDC, LC3.

It is the first Cultural Economic Development plan project in the city of Chicago, which is intentionally designed as a neighborhood stabilization tool, for census tract 5002, the northern section of the Pullman District—A low-income community, population 93% African American. The vehicle to accomplish that is the Community Economic Development Empowerment Project (CEDEP 2020). It is a Social Enterprise collaboration a multi-phase innovative comprehensive Plan.

This project is designed to transform the area, in both the physical appearance and functionality of the community, and the lives of community members. Residents will be trained, empowered, and employed, utilizing training which will include wrap around services, through our collaborative partnerships. This will include organized labor, Randolphs Dream CDC,LC3, and entities like HIRE 360 Chicago offering: Construction apprenticeships • Black Labor history contributions education • Urban Historic Preservation • and Hospitality Job Training. The entire design and focus of this component, was done with intentionality. The idea is to create a vehicle that will enable the community to participate in, and benefit from — the projected revenue derived from the anticipated 300,000 tourists coming into the community.

The most exciting part of this development is the creation of “RANDOLPH’S WAY.” The multi-phase development will be conducted under a bold, innovative Cultural Economic Development project concept A living, breathing, Cultural, Tourism, Hospitality District that will include Phase I , the museum expansion, which will serve as the launching pad for this project. Phase II, Pullman Porters Row, where new businesses will be located, impacting the entire region. It will be unlike any Tourism District in the nation. Phase III, Jesse White Research Library. Phase IV, Dr. Hughes BSCP Ladies Auxiliary-Women’s History Museum. Phase V, A. Philip Randolph Culture Factory.

THE PROJECT WILL INTRODUCE A NEW CHAPTER FOR The Northern Half of The Pullman National Historical Park And

The First Black Labor Tourism District In America

The Vision

e story of A. Philip Randolph and the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters (BSCP) is a lesson in leadership, unity and organization amongst Black men.

Since the Museum’s opening, we have consciously and consistently created opportunities to tell the story of A. Philip

Americans to America’s labor movement. Not because it was a popular topic, but because it was an important component of history that was not being celebrated in the way it should. Dr. Lyn Hughes says, “It is my desire to see the NAPRPP Museum grow into a major institution, incorporating and highlighting every area of labor in which African Americans

leadership of David A. Peterson Jr., our President and the team he is building that will surely occur.

Since its inception, through the museum, the NAPRPP Museum team has worked tirelessly to create awareness to attain recognition for the Black Labor contributions

NAPRPP Museum has long been to become an institution on the same level as the National Labor College, formerly known as the George Meany Memorial Archives.

assisted the Museum in reaching its halfway mark; in fact, beingapartofaNationalParkcanmakeitpossibleforthat dream to come into fruition. Ultimately, we will provide programs to preserve the historical documentation and to

National Historic Registry of African American Railroad Employees is a phenomenal start.

Those kinds of efforts can be enhanced by a true alliance with the National Park service by deploying their resources , to create a variety of experiences . not replicate and repackage was/is already at the new Pullman National Historical Park. Doing so will create a better visitor experience without implementing the hostile takeover shrouded in the mask of what President Obama said about A. Philip Randolph and the Porters being included. The National A. Philip Randolph Pullman Porter museum had existed for Twenty years before the NPS arrived.

By David A. Peterson Jr.

COVID HIT AND SOME OF US HIT BACK!

How COVID 19 Changed Our Communities, and How we Responded

Thinking Outside The Box- Innovative Community Engagement at its Best We chose to use an integrated marketing technique utilizing a strategic direct marketing campaign. We created a landing page that gave those who visited the opportunity to become more informed with the overall HCEZ program. It also created an ongoing tracking system for those whom we engaged. We were able to canvass 5,000 homes in the Pullman, Rosemoor, Cottage Grove Heights, Roseland, Roseland Heights, North Pullman, and London Towne Homes areas. Although each door that was canvased did not necessarily fill out the survey, we were able to brand the HCEZ initiative and our partner organizations.

We held Focus groups. Focus groups were conducted in the Pullman and Rosemoor areas. They consisted of participants from 18-65 years old. Participants were chosen based on the residence area and their genuine interest in creating a healthier community. They were from all levels of society and gave tremendous feedback that will be useful in the future. We held the focus groups at the National A Philip Randolph Pullman Porter Museum in Pullman National Monument and at Wendell Smith School. Each group was a learning experience for not only the participants but also the facilitators. We were able to work with local vendors to host our guests and provide them a comfortable after work environment.

CHANGE AGENT HONOREES

David Peterson, President

Honorable Judge Arnette Hubbard

Dr. Lyn Hughes, NAPR Pullman Porter Museum

Tina Sander, CEO Phalanx Family Services

Stacey Davis-Gates, President Chicago Teachers Union

NAPRPPM BOARD

Museum President Dr. Lyn Hughes Museum Founder

Board Members

Don Villar, Sect/Treasurer Chicago Federation of Labor

Sylvia Chapman, President CWA

Sandra D. Robinson, Treasurer, NAPRPPM - Retires Illinois Nurses Assoc.

Darren Byrd, Business Agent, IBEW local 134

Calendar of Event s

A.Philip Randolph/ Harold Washington

Birthday Party

•2023

Juneteenth Parade & Carnival Weekend

•June 2023

•August 2023

•Pullman Health & Wellness Food Festival

Covering cultural economic development: Art, music, business and people in the Pullman National Monument, the Greater Roseland and Rosemoor Communities

30,000+ Readership through local business, institutions and selected multiunit residential buildings, and many cultural events throughout Chicago